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| The Chile Information Project |
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The Green Mile - Art in Santiago by Patrick Hieger Art. History. Science. Education. More than twenty museums, galleries and public art spaces. Five Metro Stops. One day. The Green Mile is the section of the Metro's green line 5 that begins at Baquedano and ends at Quinta Normal. The best and most comprehensive walking guide in existence of modern, classic and installation art. A chance to experience for yourself some of the best art, culture and outdoor activity that Santiago has to offer. An opportunity to explore the heart of what might otherwise seem like a rather mediocre big-city experience. The tour begins at Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Chile's national and permanent collection. Outside you will find street performers working their magic at nearly all hours of the day. Take a long walk through Parque Forestal and see, first-hand, a collection of trees from around the world. Taste hand-made empanadas and drink artisan beers. Use your own two feet-and a little help from the Metro-to walk through a city that breathes art and craftsmanship. The best part about the tour is that it's cheap-you can do it all for about 10 U.S. dollars. More than 20 museums and galleries in one day? All on foot? For under 10 dollars? Sound too cheap to be true? It's not-I've done it. From Baquedano to Quinta Normal and literally every stop between, this sector of Santiago has everything an eager tourist or a newly-established local could want. So read up, take notes, and put on a comfortable pair of shoes. It's a long and enthralling walk worth every single step. When to Walk The Green Mile Most of the museums, galleries and public art spaces listed here are open Tuesday through Sunday, though a couple places are closed on Sundays. Hours of operation range from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. Most remain open on the frequent, smaller holidays and tend to only observe the larger, more important ones. Sunday is the day when most Santiaguinos leave their homes and enjoy the free admission, though some places like the M.A.C. charge admission all week. And unless there's a major exhibition such as last year's Rodin or Andy Warhol, the crowds are generally tolerable. Where is The Green Mile? The Green Mile can be easily divided into four major areas and their corresponding Metro stations: Baquedano, Bellas Artes, Plaza de Armas and Quinta Normal. Baquedano begins the circuit and feeds directly into Bellas Artes which, though it does overlap with the Plaza de Armas, provides an excellent starting point. Quinta Normal, by far the most distant of the three, is best accessed by train-there isn't a great deal of art between there and the Plaza de Armas. However, if walking is your forte, Barrio Brasil, located between the Santa Ana and Cumming stations, does make for a fun and intoxicating segue. It is possible to see everything in one, relatively easy day. Most of the galleries are small and even the larger Bellas Artes typically only uses about 70 percent of its space. However, if you have the time, it's best to divide the Green Mile tour into two or three days. A two day itinerary, for instance, could involve one day exploring the Baquedano / Bellas Artes area, with a stopover in Bellavista. The second day would begin at the Plaza de Armas, followed by a train ride into Quinta Normal. Alternatively, walk from Plaza de Armas through Barrio Brasil and enjoy the international beer houses and eateries. And again, wear comfortable shoes-this is a walking tour. Art in Baquedano and Plaza Italia Museums in Bellas Artes Plaza de Armas: Museums and Art Museums and Art in Quinta Normal |
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